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Lee Hi shone on the stage for K-pop Star and stunned everyone with her ridiculously catchy debut song, 1, 2, 3, 4. For those that don’t know, Lee Hi was a finalisted on K-pop Star, a musical talent show like American Idol or X Factor. The judges are made of JYP, BoA and Yang Hyun-suk represting JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment respectively. When the winner is crowned they then get to choose which agency they would like to sign to. Lee Hi didn’t win but came second to Park Jimin (who debuted with JYP as part of the vocal duo 15&); her performances was strong enough to land her a record contract with YG Entertainment.

Many people have said YG was the perfect home for Lee Hi as she has a very soulful tone to her voice that lends itself well to R n B and jazz influenced music. Everyone knows that YG, home to groups such as 2NE1 and Big Bang, often has a more urban vibe to their songs. Lee Hi made history with her debut song – she won M! Countdown on her debut stage! This is the first time a rookie artist has ever won with their debut stage.

So, I’m excited to finally have time to review one of Lee Hi’s performances of 1, 2, 3, 4. Carry on reading below for the review!

Style & Staging

I really like Lee Hi’s staging. I think she looks gorgeous and very fierce without looking older than she is. I think YG will have to be careful when choreographing her performances and her outfits because she is so young – Lee Hi recently turned 16. So I think they’re doing a fantastic job and Lee Hi gives just the right amount of attitude and swag without being alienating.

I thought Lee Hi’s style was really cute this performance. I loved her gloves and her black dress – she looked so fierce! She gives all the right attitude to fit in with this song. And this song is great! So catchy and fierce but with such a minimalist beat. It sounds so fresh and contemporary without being over produced. They’ve really let her vocals shine and boy does she have some vocals!

Overall rating for Style & Staging – 4 / 5 stars.

Choreography

I like Lee Hi’s choreography for 1, 2, 3, 4 – it’s quite minimalistic. In fact, the whole staging is quite simple with only a couple of props and backing dancers.

However I think this works really well. The whole sound of the song is so cool that having choreography that was too loud or fast would take away from the song. I think Lee Hi gives the perfect amount of attitude. All the small movements and isolated moves are so catchy! I love the minimalist style throughout the whole song and dance. Lee Hi reminds me a little of Jessie J – the same kind of attitude, you know?

Overall rating for Choreography – 4 / 5 stars.

Vocals

Well, Lee Hi’s vocals are just stunning! She is so flawless

Lee Hi has such a beautiful, soulful voice – I could listen to her sing all day! 1, 2, 3, 4 perfectly showcases her vocals and no doubt her live performances are just as strong as her recordings. It’s not every day that you get to hear such a talented singer and especially not every day you get to hear such a talented singer in K-pop. Don’t get me wrong, there are some amazing vocalists both in groups and solo stars but most K-pop songs are very produced that don’t always highlight the vocals. However, here 1, 2, 3, 4 is the perfect song to show Lee Hi’s powerhouse vocals.